Riddles
More about riddles
Latviešu rakstniecības vēsture
A chapter of Teodors Zeiferts' Latviešu rakstniecības vēsture focuses on the riddle in Latvian literary history. Provided by the Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at the University of Latvia. LV
Mini manu mīklu
Solving riddles, called mīklas in Latvian, is a well-established part of folk culture. Riddles are both entertainment and mental exercise. In Latvian folklore, riddles can either stand alone or be parts of folk songs or stories (for example, the classic tale of the commoner who is challenged to evenly divide a goose among various odd numbers of royalty). While riddles can be offered at any time of the year, in Latvian folk culture veļu laiks — the time of the spirits in autumn and early winter — is prime for mental gymnastics, according to Pēteris Birkerts, compiler of the 1999 collection Latviešu tautas mīklas (Rīga: Jāņa Rozes apgāds, 1999). To honor the dead, joyous expression is frowned upon, according to Birkerts, so riddling replaces activities such as singing. In modern Latvian culture, riddles most often are used as entertainment or in education. We've even seen them used in television game shows.
Recent riddles
18 Dec 2005
Sviesta bļoda ezerā
The riddle “Sviesta bļoda ezerā” (A bowl of butter in a lake) calls on the powers of visualization. Imagine a…
17 Dec 2005
Balts aiziet, melns atnāk
The riddle “Balts aiziet, melns atnāk” (White departs, black arrives) is one of several about day and night. Other variations…
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News
19 Nov 2008
PBLA honors Jānis Kukainis with its top award
Jānis Kukainis, a longtime Latvian-American community activist, has been honored with its top award by the World Federation…
News
18 Nov 2008
ALA announces Nov. 18 gifts to Latvia
About USD 280,000 in financial support for a children’s fund, a museum and a film have been approved…
Opinions
17 Nov 2008
Latviskā pašapziņa dzīvo katra cilvēka sirdī
Godātie tautieši! Godātie Latvijas pilsoņi! Esiet sveicināti visi, kas dzīvo ar Latviju sirdī ārpus tās robežām!
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In the forums
Daudz laimes dzimsanas diena, Latvija! - "Mūsu ir tikai nepilns pusotrs miljons, un mums IR sava valsts." posted by ambersun on 18 Nov 2008
Apsveic Latviju ar 90 gadu jubileju posted by katjai on 18 Nov 2008
Kas Jauns Latvijā 11/2008 posted by Roberts on 17 Nov 2008
Latvian Soldiers of the Strange War. Requiem. posted by AugustaDels on 17 Nov 2008
Valsts valodu apdraud krievu valodas pašpietiekamība posted by Peteris Cedrins on 17 Nov 2008
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